Field Leader- 2025 Adirondack Corps

Sacred Heart University; Long Lake; On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an experienced outdoor leader to oversee a dedicated team in conservation efforts. This role involves managing technical trail projects, mentoring crew members, and fostering a collaborative environment. With a focus on leadership development and skill acquisition in conservation practices, this position offers a unique opportunity to grow professionally while making a positive impact on the environment. Enjoy the great outdoors while working alongside passionate individuals committed to preserving natural landscapes. If you have a knack for teamwork and a love for the outdoors, this could be the perfect fit for you.

Benefits

Meals Provided During Fieldwork

Phone Stipend

Group Camping Gear Provided

Housing Provided During Training

Qualifications

• Experience in trail construction and maintenance is essential.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire crew members in outdoor conservation projects.
• Manage project logistics and ensure safety protocols are followed.

Skills

Team Management

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Community Organizing

Attention to Detail

Education

High School Diploma

Wilderness First Responder Certification

Tools

Chainsaw

Camping Gear

Job description

and the job listing Expires on May 16, 2025

The Student Conservation Association (SCA), recognized as America’s premier conservation service organization, is in search of a dedicated and experienced outdoor leader to manage and mentor the 24 members of the SCA Adirondack Corps. The Corps is located at the Whitney Headquarters in Long Lake, NY, adjacent to Little Tupper Lake.

As the Project Leader, you will be instrumental in the program’s success. You will collaborate with the Field Logistics Coordinator and Program Manager to train, supervise, and assist crew members in executing a variety of technical trail and conservation projects across the expansive 6-million-acre Adirondack State Park.

Project Leaders will develop industry-recognized skills that will prepare them for a career in conservation. They will learn how to work with a team, manage projects, and develop technical skills in trail construction, invasive species management, and other conservation practices. They will also gain experience in leadership, communication, and problem-solving. These skills will be valuable in any career path, but especially in conservation.

Schedule

Project Leader Season Dates: June 2nd, 2025 – October 22nd, 2025

Field Work: June 16th, 2025 – October 10th, 2025 (Hitch Schedule) *

Season Wrap-Up: October 13th, 2025 – October 17th, 2025 *

Hitch Schedule:

• 10 days on, 4 days off (Most often); 5 days on, 2 days off (Occasionally)
• Camping remotely with the team for “days on” and returning to cabins at HQ for “days off”

*Please note – this is a tentative schedule. Dates may change, but training opportunities will remain the same.

Location: Long Lake, NY

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Crew Manager:

• Lead and inspire your crew to achieve their best work, both individually and as a group.
• Make sure your crew is well-equipped and prepared for any challenge by facilitating team operations such as food planning, tools, and equipment maintenance and preparation, Job Hazard Analysis, and Emergency Response Plan Preparation.
• Actively manage project/member risk to maintain a safe work environment.
• Travel to backcountry work locations to support projects and camp with teams.

Technical Advisor – Throughout Season:

• Supervise and assist in the outdoor work skills training of corps members.
• Ensure that the quality and technique of the work performed is at top-notch standard, whether it’s trail improvement, carpentry, rigging, felling, stone, or rustic timber construction projects.
• Actively manage risk in accordance with SCA protocols to maintain a safe & professional work environment for program participants.
• Promote leadership development within the team and evaluate member success and potential.

Partnership Representative:

• Manage relationships with agency partners.
• Work collaboratively with agency partners on program logistics.
• Ensure successful and timely completion of work projects.

Projects typically include:

• Timber bridge construction.
• Fire tower restoration.
• Stone structure construction.

Marginal Duties

• Ensure an emotionally safe and inclusive group environment for members.
• Deescalate any interpersonal disputes as soon as possible.
• Communicate all vehicle, work, camp, and personal actions/matters to coordinators in a timely manner.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 21 years of age.
• Previous trail construction and maintenance experience required.
• Ability to live on site.
• Prior experience supervising young adults in an outdoor setting.
• Valid driver’s license and MVR that meets SCA standards (i.e. 3 years minimum driving experience).
• A criminal background check that meets the SCA standard is required.
• Community organizing skills and strong capacity to work in a team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work independently while motivating a crew with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to multi-task and troubleshoot in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and follow through on administrative tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-3 years of work/life Conservation Crew experience.
• Interpersonal Social Skills
• Current or ability to obtain Wilderness First Responder or higher/ CPR certification
• Ability to obtain chainsaw certification.

Hours

Living Accommodations

Housing is provided during training season, off days, and during breaks.

• Our housing is provided by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) at the Whitney boat Launch on Tupper Lake.
• There are 3 houses for members. 6-8 members will share a house with a full kitchen, communal living space, and garage. Members will have a roommate.
• DEC and SCA staff also live in housing facilities at Whitney.

Members will be camping for 5 days or 10 days at a time throughout the season.

• Members will have a tentmate while camping.

The program operates out of the William C. Whitney headquarters.

• It is at least a ~20 min/20-mile drive to the nearest town of Tupper Lake (a very small town)
• Whitney has limited cell service.
• There is a communal conference room, kitchen, limited Wi-Fi, and laundry (washer only) within HQ.
• 4 Leaders will live in provided housing on-site with a roommate.

Compensation

• Meals: Provided during fieldwork
• Phone stipend: $64/month
• Gear: Group camping gear provided (tents, stoves, cooking supplies)

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Additional Benefits

All training costs are included in the program – listed is the commercial value of each training for reference.

• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR Certification – $900
• Game of Logging Chainsaw Certification – $400
• Rigging and Grip Hoist Use for Trail Work – $400
• Leave No Trace (LNT) Level 1 Instructor – $150
• ACA Canoe Training – $75
• Comprehensive Trail Construction Skills including Native Timber, Stonework, and New Trail Design
• Back Country Living Skills
• Bear Safety
• Crew Management and Leadership
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion training
• Defensive Driver Training
• Teamwork, Leadership, Risk Management, and Conflict Resolution Skills Training

Total value of trainings: $1,925

Total value of room and board per person: $2,676

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer.